The murder of a 17-year-old girl in the coastal city of Pattaya, allegedly by a 45-year-old Australian man has sparked a discussion about whether legalising sex work in Thailand could make it safer.

Tunchanok Donhomla’s body was found stuffed in a suitcase in late June near a railway track. The man accused of killing her, Simon Peter Carman, has been charged with murder and abducting a minor for indecent purposes, along with other charges. He has denied murder, claiming he acted in self-defence.

The case has shone a spotlight on the precarious legal situation that Thailand’s large number of sex workers find themselves in.

Despite being famous for having some of the world’s biggest red-light districts in cities like Bangkok and Pattaya, commercial prostitution is technically illegal in Thailand.

Now advocates are pushing to change that, arguing that legalisation could better protect sex workers in future.

Asia Specific host Mariko Oi speaks to Siromas Akrapongpanich, a child safety advocate from the Human Help Network based in Pattaya, and senior journalist Panisa Aemocha from the BBC Thai service.

Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends.

Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people.

Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter.

Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt

Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

If you’re on TikTok, Instagram or Facebook, chances are you’ve come across microdramas: 30 to 90-second videos with over-the-top and emotional plots. Every episode ends on a cliffhanger. It’s easy to get addicted.

Microdramas first started in China around 2018, and in 2024 the microdrama industry surpassed China’s film box office for the first time.

The success of this multibillion dollar model has since spread around the world – in the US, South Korea, and across South East Asia.

Some companies are now using Artificial Intelligence to produce these short drama series. While AI can dramatically cut production times, it is also reshaping the industry and putting jobs at risk.

In this episode of Asia Specific, host Mariko unpacks the economics behind the global microdrama boom with Eunice Yang, a reporter with the BBC Chinese service, who has spoken to actors whose jobs have been affected by AI. Also on the show is David Kwok, the founder of the Singapore-based Tiny Island Productions, a company that works with microdrama companies across China and internationally.

Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends.

Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people.

Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter.

Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt

Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

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